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Department of Veterans Affairs

Mobile Applications (Apps) Phase Two (MAP2)

Ask A Pharmacist (AAP)

User Manual

Software Version 1.0

February 2016

MAP 2 Ask A Pharmacist User Manual ii February 2016

Revision History Note: The revision history cycle begins once changes or enhancements are requested after the document has been baselined.

Date Revision Description Author

3/4/2016 1.0 Baselined after v 1.0

04/29/2015 0.1 Create initial document

MAP 2 Ask A Pharmacist User Manual iii February 2016

Table of Contents 1. Introduction ........................................................................................ 1

1.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................ 1 1.2. Overview ........................................................................................................... 1 1.3. Project References .......................................................................................... 2

1.3.1. Help Desk ................................................................................................. 2 1.4. Organization of the Manual ............................................................................. 2 1.5. Acronyms and Abbreviations ......................................................................... 3

2. System Summary ............................................................................... 4 2.1. System Configuration ...................................................................................... 4 2.2. Data Flows ........................................................................................................ 5 2.3. User Access Levels ......................................................................................... 6

3. Getting Started ................................................................................... 7 3.1. Opening Ask a Pharmacist ............................................................................. 7 3.2. System Menu .................................................................................................... 7 3.3. Navigating Ask a Pharmacist .......................................................................... 9

3.3.1. Navigating a Feature.............................................................................. 10 3.4. Exit System .................................................................................................... 14 3.5. Image Library ................................................................................................. 14 3.6. Caveats and Exceptions ................................................................................ 15

4. Using Ask a Pharmacist .................................................................. 16 4.1. Home Screen .................................................................................................. 16 4.2. Home, Features, About, and Help ................................................................. 17

4.2.1. Home ....................................................................................................... 17 4.2.2. Features .................................................................................................. 18 4.2.3. About and Help ...................................................................................... 20

4.3. My HealtheVet Pharmacy Services............................................................... 22 4.3.1. FAQ – My HealtheVet ............................................................................. 24 4.3.2. Medication Articles on My HealtheVet ................................................. 25 4.3.3. Medical Library ...................................................................................... 27 4.3.4. Prescription History............................................................................... 30 4.3.5. Rx Refill .................................................................................................. 31 4.3.6. Rx Refill Guide ....................................................................................... 32 4.3.7. Send a Secure Message ........................................................................ 32 4.3.8. Track My Medications............................................................................ 33

4.4. Pill and Bottle Information ............................................................................ 36 4.4.1. Pill Bottle Information ............................................................................ 37

MAP 2 Ask A Pharmacist User Manual iv February 2016

4.4.2. Pill Identification .................................................................................... 39 4.5. VA Trusted Medication Resources ............................................................... 40

4.5.1. Consumer Drug, Herbal & Supplement Information ........................... 42 4.5.2. Drug Interactions and Adverse Drug Events ....................................... 42 4.5.3. FAQ – VA National Medication Formulary ........................................... 47 4.5.4. Know Your Medication Label ................................................................ 47 4.5.5. Medication Administration .................................................................... 47 4.5.6. Medication Disposal .............................................................................. 48 4.5.7. Pill Identification .................................................................................... 48

4.6. About VA Pharmacies ................................................................................... 49 4.6.1. Find My Facility ...................................................................................... 51 4.6.2. How VA Pharmacies Operate ................................................................ 52 4.6.3. How VA Pharmacists Help Veterans .................................................... 52

4.7. Send a Secure Message ................................................................................ 53

5. Troubleshooting ............................................................................... 55

MAP 2 Ask A Pharmacist User Manual v February 2016

Table of Figures

Figure 1: Data Flow ...................................................................................................................................... 5 Figure 2: AAP Home Screen, Tablet View ................................................................................................... 7 Figure 3: AAP Home Screen, Phone View ................................................................................................... 8 Figure 4: Home Screen ................................................................................................................................. 9 Figure 5: Feature Menu ............................................................................................................................... 10 Figure 6: Feature Menu, Phone View ......................................................................................................... 11 Figure 7: AAP Article, Tablet View ........................................................................................................... 12 Figure 8: AAP Article, Phone View ........................................................................................................... 13 Figure 9: Leaving AAP ............................................................................................................................... 14 Figure 10: Information icon ........................................................................................................................ 14 Figure 11: Fading Bottom of Screen ........................................................................................................... 15 Figure 12: Menu Icon .................................................................................................................................. 15 Figure 13: Menu Arrow and Back Arrow ................................................................................................... 15 Figure 14: Home Screen ............................................................................................................................. 16 Figure 15: Features Drop Down, Tablet View ............................................................................................ 18 Figure 16: Features Drop Down, Phone View ............................................................................................ 19 Figure 17: About Window, Tablet View .................................................................................................... 20 Figure 18: Help Window, Phone View ....................................................................................................... 21 Figure 19: My HealtheVet Pharmacy Services ........................................................................................... 22 Figure 20: Leaving AAP Pop-up ................................................................................................................ 24 Figure 21: My HealtheVet FAQ ................................................................................................................. 24 Figure 22: Medication Articles Example .................................................................................................... 25 Figure 23: Medical Library ......................................................................................................................... 27 Figure 24: Veterans Health Library ............................................................................................................ 28 Figure 25: MHV MedlinePlus Web Site ..................................................................................................... 29 Figure 26: MedlinePlus Homepage............................................................................................................. 30 Figure 27: My HealtheVet Home Page ....................................................................................................... 31 Figure 28: Rx Refill Guide ......................................................................................................................... 32 Figure 29: Track My Medications Menu .................................................................................................... 33 Figure 30: UPS My Choice ......................................................................................................................... 34 Figure 31: My USPS.com ........................................................................................................................... 35 Figure 32: Home Screen ............................................................................................................................. 36 Figure 33: Pill Bottle Information ............................................................................................................... 37 Figure 34: Pillbox, Pill Identification ......................................................................................................... 39 Figure 35: Home Screen ............................................................................................................................. 40 Figure 36: VA Trusted Medication Resources Menu ................................................................................. 41 Figure 37: Drug Interactions Checker ......................................................................................................... 42 Figure 38: MedlinePlus Allergy Information .............................................................................................. 43 Figure 39: MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form .......................................................................... 44 Figure 40: Medical Product Safety Information ......................................................................................... 45 Figure 41: FDA, Avoiding Drug Interactions ............................................................................................. 46 Figure 42: SafeMedication, How to Administer ......................................................................................... 47 Figure 43: Medication Disposal .................................................................................................................. 48 Figure 44: Home Screen ............................................................................................................................. 49 Figure 45: About VA Pharmacies ............................................................................................................... 50 Figure 46: Find VA Locations .................................................................................................................... 51 Figure 47: Home Screen ............................................................................................................................. 53

MAP 2 Ask A Pharmacist User Manual 1 February 2016

1. Introduction The Ask A Pharmacist (AAP) mobile application provides users access to vetted information in an easy to use website link format without users needing to worry about locating valid information on their own via the Internet and/or potentially untrusted sources.

AAP also allows Veterans with verified My HealtheVet (MHV) accounts to access pharmacy services and secured messaging through their MHV account.

1.1. Purpose The purpose of this AAP User Manual is to provide an overview, access procedures, and functionality usage procedures for the software. Also included in this manual is a general overview of the AAP application.

1.2. Overview Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Patient Care Services (PCS), Pharmacy Benefits Management (PBM) requests a mobile application that expands patient care services by providing trusted medication resources and answers to frequently asked medication questions developed by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pharmacists to VA patients and their caregivers. The application also serves as a link to Secure Messaging (SM) resources on My HealtheVet (MHV) so that patients and/or caregivers can learn how to submit specific questions directly related to their local VHA pharmacy. The application also links to medication functionality within MHV. The application also consists of a landing page containing links to various internal and external medication resources and information (e.g., trusted sources of information, other VA Medical Centers [VAMC]), as well as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

There are five application features available on the home screen along with their related links:

• My HealtheVet Pharmacy Services

• Pill and Bottle Information

• Trusted Medication Resources

• About VA Pharmacies

• Send a Secure Message Additionally, once Veterans and/or caregivers become “In-Person Authenticated” (IPA), they can submit specific questions for a prompt, personal response through Secure Messaging (SM). Providing an additional route of communication can ultimately lead to streamlining the pharmacy workflow and increasing patient satisfaction.

This application also allows front line triage staff to handle the majority of AAP submitted questions via SM.


1.3. Project References

1.3.1. Help Desk The Help Desk is available weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT). For help with this application contact the VA Mobile App Help Desk toll free at 1-877-470-5947. For DS Logon (Department of Defense Self-Service Logon) related questions, contact the eBenefits help line toll free at 1-800-983-0937.

1.4. Organization of the Manual Section 1: Introduction The Introduction section provides the purpose of this manual, an overview of the AAP application, an overview of the software used, project references, contact information for the user to seek additional information, and an acronyms and abbreviations list for this manual.

Section 2: System Summary The System Summary section provides a graphical representation of the equipment, communication, and networks used by the system, user access levels, how the software will be accessed, and contingencies and alternative modes of operation.

Section 3: Getting Started The Getting Started section gives provides a general walk-through of the system from initiation through exit, enabling the user to understand the sequence and flow of the system.

Section 4: Scenario The Scenario section gives the user the “how to” information on using AAP, including many step-by-step procedures.

Section 5: Troubleshooting The Troubleshooting section provides guidance for troubleshooting the AAP application.


1.5. Acronyms and Abbreviations The following table contains a list of acronyms and abbreviations, and their definitions, used in this manual.

Table 1: Acronyms and Abbreviations Acronym Definition

AAP Ask A Pharmacist

ADR Adverse Drug Reaction

App Application

CT Central Time zone

DS Logon Department of Defense Self-Service Logon

EULA End-user License Agreement

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

FDA United States Food and Drug Administration

ID Identification

IPA In-Person Authentication

MHV My HealtheVet

NIH National Institutes of Health

NLM National Library of Medicine

OS Operating System

PBM Pharmacy Benefits Management

PCS Patient Care Services

ROI Release Of Information

RX Prescription

SM Secure Messaging

SME Subject Matter Expert

UPS United Parcel Service Inc.

USPS United States Postal Service

VA Department of Veterans Affairs

VAMC VA Medical Center

VANF VA National Formulary

VHA Veterans Health Administration


2. System Summary The Ask A Pharmacist (AAP) mobile application provides patients with access to general information on their medications, the ability to interact with a pharmacist, and access to frequently asked questions (FAQs). It also provides access for caregivers on behalf of a patient.

Patients and caregivers are able to obtain information on:

• Pill Identification • Drug/Drug Interactions • Contacting Local VAMCs • Drug Allergies and Adverse Drug Reactions • Articles on MHV that pertain to medications and their use • Role of VA Pharmacist • How VA Pharmacy Works • Prescription (Rx) refill and tracking • Drug FAQs • Proper medication administration, self- management, and disposal • Reporting and tracking of adverse drug events

2.1. System Configuration AAP is an application intended to be used on personal mobile phones and tablets. These devices must have active Wi-Fi connectivity in order for the application to function fully. The application can be used on the following browsers:

• Internet Explorer 9 and higher

• Safari 7 and higher


2.2. Data Flows The following is a graphic representation of the flow of data through the AAP application and Secure Messaging.

Figure 1: Data Flow


2.3. User Access Levels Table 2 describes the three levels of user access within this application.

Table 2: User Access Levels Name Description AAP Access MHV Access

Primary Users Patients/Caregivers View content, Navigate links

All Account Types: Access My Medications Advanced Account: Access all Pharmacy Features Premium Account: Access all Pharmacy Features, Access Secure Messaging (Opt-in Required)

Secondary Users Clinical Providers View content, Navigate links

Secondary Users Ask A Pharmacist Mobile App SMEs (Administrator)

View content, Navigate links

Update AAP FAQ content


3. Getting Started 3.1. Opening Ask a Pharmacist Once you have installed Ask A Pharmacist (AAP) from VA App Store onto your mobile device, open Ask A Pharmacist by tapping its icon. The first time you open the application you will see the End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) pop-up. Scroll down to the bottom and tap ‘Accept’ to proceed to the AAP Home Screen.

Note: Since the screens look different in each case, this user manual will present pictures of AAP screens as they appear on both tablets and phones.

3.2. System Menu The AAP Home Screen contains five Application Features as well as About and Help. Figure 2 illustrates AAP Home screen in the tablet view. Tapping on a feature takes you to its list of articles, sources of information, and links to related topics or services both within AAP and web sites external to the application.

Figure 2: AAP Home Screen, Tablet View


Figure 3 provides an illustration of the phone view of the AAP Home screen (shown on the left side of the figure). The image on the right side of the figure displays how to access ‘About’ and ‘Help’ by tapping the menu icon in the upper right.

Figure 3: AAP Home Screen, Phone View


3.3. Navigating Ask a Pharmacist Tapping on one of the five AAP features opens a menu of that feature’s related links. To illustrate how to navigate AAP, tap on ‘About VA Pharmacies’ on the AAP home screen.

Figure 4: Home Screen

Tablet View

Phone View


3.3.1. Navigating a Feature Tapping ‘About VA Pharmacies’ on the home screen opens a menu of its related links.

Figure 5: Feature Menu

Tablet View

Phone View


Using the phone view, tap the icon next to each related link to open its description.

Figure 6: Feature Menu, Phone View


There are two basic types of links encountered in AAP.

First, when you tap ‘How VA Pharmacies Operate’, you will proceed to an AAP article, as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7: AAP Article, Tablet View

Using tablets, as shown in Figure 7: tap the Back Arrow on your mobile device to return; tap ‘Home’ to go to the AAP Home screen; tap ‘Features’ to go to one of the five AAP feature sections.


Figure 8 illustrates the AAP article when viewed on a phone. Use your browser’s scrolling tool to read the entire article.

Figure 8: AAP Article, Phone View

Using mobile phones, tap the Back Arrow on your mobile device’s browser, or tap the menu icon in the upper right to go to one of the five AAP feature sections.


Second, when you tap ‘Find My Facility’, a window pops up advising that you are leaving Ask A Pharmacist to go to an external website. Tap ‘Continue’, as shown in Figure 9, or tap ‘Cancel’ to remain on the current page. You can select “Do not show this message again” if you choose not to see this pop-up again.

Figure 9: Leaving AAP

After tapping ‘Continue’, your device will open the external web site in your browser. To return to AAP, tap your browser’s Back Arrow or close the current Tab or Window.

Section 4 Using Ask a Pharmacist of this user manual offers step-by-step instructions for each feature of AAP and descriptions the features and their related links.

3.4. Exit System It is not necessary to log in to or out of AAP. When you are finished using the application, simply close its browser screen.

3.5. Image Library The following images (Figures 10 through 13) are used to help you navigate through the AAP application.

Figure 10: Information icon

The blue circled lower-case i is an icon indicating there is a description of this feature. Tap it to read the description.


Figure 11: Fading Bottom of Screen

When the screen fades out at the bottom, it means that there is more content to view. Scroll down with your browser’s tools to view the continued content.

Figure 12: Menu Icon

The menu icon is commonly referred to as the ‘Hamburger Icon’. Tap on it to view a drop-down menu list.

Figure 13: Menu Arrow and Back Arrow

The Menu arrow appears next to a listing on a menu to indicate there is a sub-menu to look at. Tap on the feature to view its sub-menu.

The Back arrow appears next to the title of the current AAP screen you are viewing. Tap on it to return to the previous screen.

3.6. Caveats and Exceptions Some of the external web sites available through AAP require registration, enrollment, or enhanced account status in order to fully utilize a service. Advice and instructions are available at the particular external web site.


4. Using Ask a Pharmacist Many of the features and related links offered by Ask A Pharmacist (AAP), including My HealtheVet (MHV) resources and Secure Messaging, require registering with MHV as a VA Patient and acquiring a Premium Account via In-Person Authentication (IPA). Online Authentication is another option for users who have a connected eBenefits DS Logon (Department of Defense Self-Service Logon) and a MHV VA Patient account.

AAP is downloaded and installed from VA App Store onto your mobile device. Select the Ask A Pharmacist icon. The first time you open the application you will see the End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) pop-up. Scroll down to the bottom and tap ‘Accept’ to proceed to the AAP Home screen.

4.1. Home Screen When you have installed AAP onto your mobile phone or tablet, tap the AAP icon on your device. The Home screen for AAP will appear.

Figure 14 illustrates the AAP Home screen as viewed with a tablet and a mobile phone device.

In the furthest upper right corner of the screen, the link ‘Return to the LaunchPad’ is available to shop for other VA applications.


Tablet View


Phone View

4.2. Home, Features, About, and Help The dark blue ribbon along the top of the Home screen contains this application’s name and navigation tools. Using tablets, there are four options that you can choose. Using phones, there is a menu icon that can be tapped to display navigation options.

4.2.1. Home If you are using a tablet, you can return to the Home screen from any location within AAP by tapping ‘Home’. When using a phone, tap the menu icon, and the list of five features appears along with ‘About’ and ‘Help’ (see Figure 3). Your device’s browser also provides ‘Previous’ and ‘Next’ navigation tools.


4.2.2. Features • Using Features with Tablets

With a tablet, tap on ‘Features’ from any location within AAP, and a drop down menu appears. Tap on one of the five AAP features in the menu to go to that feature as shown in Figure 15.

Figure 15: Features Drop Down, Tablet View


• Using Features with a Mobile Phone When using a phone, tapping the menu icon to the right on the blue ribbon drops down a window that provides links to the five AAP features as well as ‘About’ and ‘Help’ (see Figure 16).

Figure 16: Features Drop Down, Phone View


4.2.3. About and Help When you tap on ‘About’ and ‘Help,’ you can reference information and assistance resources regarding the Ask A Pharmacist application.

• ‘About’ Ask A Pharmacist Tapping on the ‘About’ link in the top right of your tablet provides a window with general information about AAP along with a description of its functionality. Figure 17 illustrates the ‘About’ window when viewed on a Tablet.

Figure 17: About Window, Tablet View

When using a phone, access the ‘About’ information after tapping the menu icon in the upper right corner.

Tap ‘Close’ to return to the previous screen.


• ‘Help’ Information in AAP Tapping ‘Help’ produces a window with links to assistance resources, a toll-free phone number to call, user manuals, videos, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Reference information, such as browsers that support the application, are also available.

Using a phone, tap the menu icon in the upper right, then tap on ‘Help’ to see information as shown in Figure 18.

Scroll down, if necessary, and tap ‘Close’ at the bottom to return to the previous screen.

Figure 18: Help Window, Phone View

When using a tablet, access the ‘Help’ information by tapping ‘Help’ in the upper right corner of the dark blue title ribbon.


4.3. My HealtheVet Pharmacy Services My HealtheVet is the primary Internet connection between Veterans and their health care benefits. This section introduces the many services available through MHV.

On the Home screen, tap ‘My HealtheVet Pharmacy Services’ for a menu of related links. In order to have full access to all of this feature’s resources, you should be registered with MHV as a VA Patient and upgrade to a Premium account.

Figure 19 illustrates views of the related links available after tapping ‘My HealtheVet’ from your Home screen.

Figure 19: My HealtheVet Pharmacy Services

Tablet View

Scroll down to view all related links in the menu.


Phone View

Scroll down to view all related links in the menu.


4.3.1. FAQ – My HealtheVet When you tap ‘FAQ – My HealtheVet’, a window pops up to inform you that you are leaving AAP to go to an external website. This window appears every time a link to an external website is tapped. You can tap ‘Continue’ to go to the website or ‘Cancel’ to remain on your current screen. You have the option of tapping the box next to the instruction ‘Do not show this message again’ if you do not want this window to pop up again.

Figure 20 illustrates the pop-up window informing you that you are leaving AAP.

Figure 20: Leaving AAP Pop-up

Tap ‘Continue’ to leave AAP and proceed to the “My HealtheVet Frequently Asked Questions” web page (shown in Figure 21) to access a collection of commonly asked questions and answers about features in MHV.

Figure 21: My HealtheVet FAQ

Note: This web site is external to AAP. It could look different than the example above. Tap your browser's Back Arrow, or close the current Tab or Window to return to AAP.


4.3.2. Medication Articles on My HealtheVet This feature presents a collection of articles available on the MHV web site for easy identification and location from AAP.

Tapping ‘Medication Articles on My HealtheVet’ opens another menu containing links to medication and pharmacy-related articles from MHV.

Figure 22: Medication Articles Example

Tablet View


Phone View

Tap an article title, then tap ‘Continue’ to leave AAP and proceed to that article’s web page.

Tap your browser's Back Arrow or close the current Tab or Window of the selected external web site to return to AAP.


4.3.3. Medical Library Tap ‘Medical Library’, then tap ‘Continue’ to leave AAP and proceed to a MHV web page, as shown in Figure 23, where links are provided to two extensive, online medical libraries.

Figure 23: Medical Library

Note: This web site is external to AAP. It could look different than the example above. Tap your browser's Back Arrow, or close the current Tab or Window, to return to AAP.


• Veterans Health Library This library is designed for and available to all Veterans, their family members, and the public, no matter where the Veteran receives care. It offers articles, videos, and printable information on topics of general health as well as topics of special interest to Veterans.

Tap on the link Veterans Health Library to proceed there.

Figure 24: Veterans Health Library

Note: This web site is external to AAP. It could look different than the example above.

Tap your browser's Back Arrow, or close the current Tab or Window, to return to AAP.


• MedlinePlus ® This web page provides various links to MedlinePlus®. This is the online resource of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), offering information on health promotion, conditions, and treatments to help you take control of your own health. Figure 26 provides an illustration of the MedlinePlus® home page.

Tap the MedlinePlus ® on the MHV Medical Library web page to proceed to another MHV web page as shown in Figure 25.

Figure 25: MHV MedlinePlus Web Site



Figure 26: MedlinePlus Homepage



4.3.4. Prescription History If you are a registered MHV user and have selected the ‘VA Patient’ checkbox during registration, you can view a list of your past VA prescribed medications.

To view your prescription history, tap ‘Prescription History’, then tap ‘Continue’ to leave AAP and proceed to the MHV web page offering information about viewing prescription history.


4.3.5. Rx Refill Rx Refill provides a timesaving, convenient way to refill prescriptions and monitor details of each medication, such as refill status, date of last refill, the VA facility medication is received from, number of refills remaining, and the progress of a refill request. When you log in to MHV using your Premium account, you can manage your VA prescription refills online and all of the Rx Refill services. For prescription refill information, tap ‘Rx Refill’, then tap ‘Continue’ to leave AAP and proceed to the MHV FAQ page discussing their RX Refill service.

Figure 27: My HealtheVet Home Page



4.3.6. Rx Refill Guide Rx Refill Guide connects to the MHV web page where detailed descriptions of Rx Refill’s services, requirements, and step-by-step instructions are provided. Tap ‘Rx Refill Guide’, then tap ‘Continue’ to go to the MHV web site.”

Figure 28 illustrates the MHV website ‘VA Online Rx Refill for Veterans’. Tap your browser's Back Arrow, or close the current Tab or Window, to return to AAP.

Figure 28: Rx Refill Guide


4.3.7. Send a Secure Message Secure Messaging (SM) is similar to email and can be used to ask about VA appointments, medications, lab results, or seek answers to routine medical questions from your VA health team.

To use the Secure Messaging feature, you must be receiving health care services from VA, have registered on My HealtheVet as a “VA Patient,” and have a Premium My HealtheVet account.

After registering on MHV as a VA Patient, there are two ways to upgrade to a Premium MHV account.

1. In-Person Authentication (IPA) Print, read, and sign the VA Release of Information (ROI) form (10-5345a-MHV). Take a copy of the signed form and government issued photo identification to the local VA health facility and give it to a qualified VA staff member to upgrade your account.

2. Online Authentication This is an option for those who have both a connected eBenefits DS Logon Premium account and MHV VA Patient account.

Tap ‘Send a Secure Message’ then tap ‘Continue’ to proceed to the MHV article describing Secure Messaging.


4.3.8. Track My Medications These are three VA-vetted ways to track the delivery progress of your medication prescriptions. Once you choose a method to have your medications delivered, this feature provides links and instructions for each method. Tap ‘Track My Medications’ to open another menu containing related links as shown in Figure 29.

Figure 29: Track My Medications Menu

Tablet View

Phone View


• Prescription Tracker – FAQ Tap ‘Prescription Tracker – FAQ’, then tap ‘Continue’ to go to links on the MHV Frequently Asked Questions web page to view FAQ for the My HealtheVet Prescription Tracker. This can be used to track delivery of VA prescriptions filled by a VA Mail Order Pharmacy and mailed within the last 45 days. Tap your browser's Back Arrow, or close the current Tab or Window, to return to AAP.

• UPS My Choice Here you can learn about and register for ‘UPS My Choice’, a service that tracks the status of your deliveries if you choose to have them delivered by United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS). Tap ’UPS My Choice’, then tap ‘Continue’ to go to the UPS website as shown in Figure 30.

Figure 30: UPS My Choice




• USPS Here you can learn about and register for ‘My USPS.com’, a service that tracks the status of your deliveries if you choose to have them delivered by United States Postal Service (USPS).

Tap ’USPS’, then tap ‘Continue’ to go to the USPS web site as shown in Figure 31.

Figure 31: My USPS.com




4.4. Pill and Bottle Information This feature provides a detailed description of the data on your medication’s label and a link to identify unknown medications. On the Home screen, tap ‘Pill and Bottle Information’ for a menu of related links as shown in Figure 32.


Tablet View

Phone View


4.4.1. Pill Bottle Information VA medications have standardized labels that provide the patient important information about their prescription. Tap ‘Pill Bottle Information’ to view a graphical representation of a typical medicine bottle with descriptions and explanations of the information it contains.

Figure 33: Pill Bottle Information

Tablet View

Tap your browser’s Back arrow to return, or tap ‘Home’ or ‘Features,’ to go to other AAP locations.


Phone View

Tap your browser’s Back arrow to return, or tap the Menu icon, to go to other AAP locations.


4.4.2. Pill Identification This resource aids in the identification of unknown pills (oral, solid dosage form medications). It combines images of pills with appearance and other information to enable you to visually search for and identify them. There is also information available about the contents of a pill, clinical trials, and safety information

Tap ‘Pill Identification’, then tap ‘Continue’ to leave AAP and proceed to Pillbox, the NLM/NIH web site. Click ‘OK’ on the pop up stating that “if this is an emergency, call 911 or the National Poison Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222,” as well as a disclaimer. Click ‘OK’ to arrive at the Pillbox web site depicted in Figure 34.

Figure 34: Pillbox, Pill Identification



4.5. VA Trusted Medication Resources VA Trusted Medication Resources provides links to VA web pages or VA vetted and approved web sites offering information on the proper use or disposal of medications, understanding drug interactions, and availability of medications through VA.

On the AAP Home screen, tap ‘VA Trusted Medication Resources’ as shown in Figure 35, to view a menu of VA-vetted web sites and other sources of medication-related information, as shone in Figure 36.


Tablet View

Phone View


Figure 36: VA Trusted Medication Resources Menu

Tablet View

Phone View


4.5.1. Consumer Drug, Herbal & Supplement Information Many drugs and medications are available commercially without a prescription. These drugs can have a significant impact on the user. This feature provides information and resources about over-the-counter drugs, herbal and other supplements, as well as VA-prescribed medications.

Tap ‘Consumer Drug, Herbal & Supplement Information’ to open its menu of related subject areas. Tapping each subject area opens links to external web resources.

Choose from the titles listed in the menu, tap on an article title, then tap ‘Continue’ to leave AAP and proceed to the external web location of the article or resource. When finished, tap your browser's Back Arrow, or close the current Tab or Window to return to AAP.

4.5.2. Drug Interactions and Adverse Drug Events It is often the case where more than one medication is being used. This feature provides resources to learn about interactions between drugs, drug allergies, and adverse reactions to medication. Tap ‘Drug Interactions and Adverse Drug Events’ to open its menu of related links.

• Tap ‘Adverse Drug Event Information’ to open its sub-menu of links to the following external web sites:

Drug Interactions Checker. Tap ‘Drug Interactions Checker,’ then tap ‘Continue’ to proceed to Drugs.com web site’s Drug Interactions Checker page. Tap ‘I Agree’ on the End-user License Agreement (EULA) and proceed to the web page, shown in Figure 37, where you can learn about interactions between drugs that you’ve selected from the site’s database, the relative level of significance of a given interaction, and in certain cases, a recommended course of action to manage the interaction.

Figure 37: Drug Interactions Checker

Note: This web site is external to AAP. It could look different than the example above. Tap your browser’s Back Arrow, or close the current Tab or Window, to return to AAP.


Medline Allergy Information. Tap ‘Medline Allergy Information’, then tap ‘Continue’ to proceed to the NIH MedlinePlus web page for information about drug allergies and descriptions of allergy symptoms.

Figure 38: MedlinePlus Allergy Information



Report adverse drug events to FDA MedWatch Tap ‘Report adverse drug events to FDA MedWatch’, then tap ‘Continue’ to proceed to the FDA web site “MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form.” There are instructions and guidelines provided to aid in completing the report. Figure 39 illustrates the start page for filing your report.

Figure 39: MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form



Track adverse drug events in FDA. Tap ‘Track adverse drug events in FDA’, then tap ‘Continue’ to proceed to the FDA web site “Medical Product Safety Information”, shown in Figure 40, for an updated listing of safety alerts for human medical products (drugs, medical devices, nutritionals, cosmetics).

Figure 40: Medical Product Safety Information



• Drug Interaction Information Drug Interaction Information articles break down possible interactions of medications with food and beverages, dietary supplements, interactions between different drugs, and tips to avoid problems. Tap ‘Drug Interaction Articles’ to view its sub-menu of links to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “Avoiding Drug Interactions” web page. Tap one of the topic titles, then tap ‘Continue’ to proceed to information related to that topic.

Figure 41: FDA, Avoiding Drug Interactions



4.5.3. FAQ – VA National Medication Formulary The VA National Formulary (VANF) provides pharmaceutical products of high quality and best value and assures that these products are available to eligible Veterans.

Tap ‘FAQ – VA National Medication Formulary’ to view an AAP article offering answers to frequently asked questions about VANF and troubleshooting issues associated with using its services.

Tap your browser's Back Arrow to return. Tap ‘Home’ or ‘Features’ to go to other AAP locations.

4.5.4. Know Your Medication Label VA medications have standardized labels that provide the patient important information about their prescription. Tap ‘Know Your Medication Label’ to proceed to the AAP Pill Bottle Information page.

Tap your browser’s Back Arrow, or tap ‘Home’ or ‘Features’ to go to other AAP locations.

4.5.5. Medication Administration Different types of medication require different methods to get them in the body. This feature offers a list of the best practices when using a medication.

Tap ‘Medication Administration’ to open its menu of related links to external web resources. Tap ‘How to properly administer a medication’, then tap ‘Continue’ to leave AAP and proceed to the SafeMedication web site where instructions and illustrations on the correct way to use eye, ear, and nose drops; information on eye ointments, inhalers, and suppositories are offered.

Figure 42: SafeMedication, How to Administer



4.5.6. Medication Disposal Unused medications can harm people who improperly handle them, can change properties when kept after expiration dates, and can affect the environment if disposed of improperly. This resource addresses these issues.

Tap here, then tap ‘Continue’ to leave AAP and proceed to the Pharmacy Benefits Management Services VA Center for Medication Safety web page offering guidelines for the proper and safe disposal of unused medications.

Figure 43: Medication Disposal


4.5.7. Pill Identification This resource aids in the identification of unknown pills (oral, solid dosage form medications). It combines images of pills with appearance and other information to enable you to visually search for and identify them. There is also information available about the contents of a pill, clinical trials, and safety information

Tap ‘Pill Identification’, then tap ‘Continue’ for a link to the resource Pillbox. Tap ‘OK’ on the pop-up. Tap your browser’s Back Arrow, or close the current Tab or Window, to return to AAP.


4.6. About VA Pharmacies This feature offers general information about the many ways VA Pharmacies serve Veterans, above and beyond being the Veteran’s source for getting medication. Procedures for using VA Pharmacy services are described, and a link is provided to locate VA Pharmacies around the world.

On the Home screen, tap ‘About VA Pharmacies’ to open a menu of related links.


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The “About VA Pharmacies” screen opens and provides the information as shown in Figure 45.

Figure 45: About VA Pharmacies

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4.6.1. Find My Facility Use this resource to locate the VA Centers near you. You can narrow your search to find the particular kind of VA service you are interested in.

Tap ‘Find My Facility’, then tap ‘Continue’ to leave AAP and proceed to the VA “Locations” web page. VA locations can be found by entering your address to access locations near you or by tapping on a state or geographical region to access locations within that region.

Figure 46: Find VA Locations



4.6.2. How VA Pharmacies Operate Prescription drug services are a major component of outpatient services provided to eligible patients of the VA. Services include direct and indirect patient medication counseling, drug and supply dispensing, and clinical pharmacist activities as part of the Veteran’s health care team.

Tap ‘How VA Pharmacies Operate’ to open an informational page outlining VA Pharmacy operation procedures and the range of services available to Veterans.

Tap your browser’s Back Arrow to return. Tap ‘Home’ or ‘Features’ to go to other AAP locations.

4.6.3. How VA Pharmacists Help Veterans Pharmacists are medication experts. They know what makes up the different drugs, how the drugs work, and the drugs’ effect on the patient.

Tap ‘How VA Pharmacists Help Veterans’ to open an informational page describing the roles and services pharmacists provide for Veterans, how to upgrade your account and which additional services you would be eligible for once your account is upgraded.

Tap your browser’s Back Arrow to return. Tap ‘Home’ or ‘Features’ to go to other AAP locations.


4.7. Send a Secure Message Secure Messaging is similar to email and can be used to ask about VA appointments, medications, lab results, or seek answers to routine medical questions from your VA health team.

To use the Secure Messaging feature, you must be receiving health care services from VA, have registered on My HealtheVet as a “VA Patient,” and have a Premium My HealtheVet account.

After registering on MHV as a VA Patient, there are two ways to upgrade to a Premium MHV account.

In-Person Authentication (IPA) Print, read, and sign the VA Release of Information (ROI) form (10-5345a-MHV). Take a copy of the signed form and government issued photo identification to the local VA health facility and give it to a qualified VA staff member to upgrade your account.

Online Authentication This is an option for those who have both a connected eBenefits DS Logon Premium account and MHV VA Patient account.

On the AAP Home screen, pictured in Figure 47, tap ‘Send a Secure Message’, then tap ‘Continue’ to proceed to the MHV article describing Secure Messaging.


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5. Troubleshooting Below are resources to help resolve questions or difficulties found when using the Ask A Pharmacist (AAP) application.

The Help Desk is available weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT). For help with this application contact the VA Mobile App Help Desk toll free at 1-877-470-5947.

For DS Logon (Department of Defense Self-Service Logon) related questions contact the eBenefits help line toll free at 1-800-983-0937.

Some of the external web sites available through AAP require registration, enrollment, or enhanced account status in order to fully utilize a service. Advice and instructions are available at the particular external web site.

ask a pharmacist user manual · drug interactions and adverse drug events ... ask a pharmacist user...

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